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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India-France relations have reached “new heights”, highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries across technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action.
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Addressing virtually the inauguration of the new BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Paris, Modi said the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership is built on a long-standing foundation of cultural and political ties.
Modi highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation as 2026 is being celebrated as the India-France Year of Innovation.
The two countries are increasingly exploring opportunities for joint ventures and technology cooperation, while defence and space remain important pillars of the strategic relationship
The partnership has gained particular significance as India seeks reliable technology and defence partners in Europe, while France continues to deepen its strategic engagement with India in the Indo-Pacific.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the historical links between the two societies—from the contribution of Indian soldiers in France during the World Wars to French scholars' interest in Indian philosophy and Sanskrit.
He pointed to figures including Romain Rolland, Sri Aurobindo and Srila Prabhupada, along with the growing popularity of yoga in France, as examples of the long-standing cultural connection.
Modi described the new Paris temple as another milestone in bilateral cultural relations, noting that several of its stones were carved in India and assembled in France, combining traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern French engineering.
He said the temple could become not only a place of worship but also a centre for community service and cultural exchange.
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